Tracy Rigdon is a United States Army Veteran who is trying to raise awareness about PTSD and how it relates to homeless veterans in Jacksonville.

Rigdon made his rounds at Hemming Plaza and talked to both homeless people and homeless veterans about PTSD.

According to the Mayo Health Clinic, PTSD is a mental health condition that can be triggered by an alarming event, whether experiencing it or witnessing it. Rigdon said he knows a lot of veterans suffering from the side effects of PTSD after their service in the military.

"A lot if them after so many years of service find it hard to reintegrate into society and come back to civilian life," he said.

On any given night, there are as many as 200,000 veterans who are living on the streets or in shelters, according to the National Coalition for the Homeless.

"It's terrible the way so many people want to turn their back on them. Out of sight, out if mind," he said.

Rigdon said if his conversations with people made even a small difference, his time at the plaza was well spent.